Katanga Every House Has A Story

I have passed this house a number of times in the last year and have noticed that an owner is having the house restored. This restoration has been ongoing and at times there appears to have not been any progress. As of May 2022 there has been some substantial work being done. I look forward to posting an update at some time in the future to showcase the finished version. This is a house with history and many stories to be told. I posted one of those stories in my initial post. In this update there is a further history and background to Latanga's link to one of modern Brisbane's early families. 

May 2022 Update 

Katanga 1884

The following is taken from the Brisbane City Council's Heritage Register. I am doing an update to this post as when I first posted and took photographs of this house there are now major renovations or restorations taking place. It must be noted that the BCC heritage information was posted in 2001. The photographs that I took and posted here were in 2021. In 2001 the house is described as being intact and maintained in good condition.

"This fine nineteenth century home was built for James Robert Dickson Jr, and his wife, Cordelia, in 1884. Dickson was one of six sons of the Honourable James Robert Dickson, an auctioneer, businessman, politician and, briefly, Queensland Premier, who built Toorak nearby in 1867. Dickson was a partner in his father’s auction business, which had premises in Queen Street, the City. Katanga was built on land originally owned by William Weekes, and later, John Cooksley, both prominent land speculators in the area. Dickson purchased subdivisions 41- 44 of suburban allotments 7 and 8, in 1884 – a parcel of well over an acres. Dickson was first listed in Langside Road in Post Office Directories in 1885-86, suggesting that his house was built soon after the land was purchased. At this time Hamilton was characterised by the coexistence of large estates bearing fine homes, and large areas of undeveloped land held by speculators. This vacant land was steadily subdivided into suburban allotments. Later, the grounds of some of the fine estates were subdivided as well, particularly after the arrival of the tramline through Hamilton to Ascot in 1899. Katanga, constructed on vacant land subdivided by speculators, is a good example of this pattern. When Katanga was built, Hamilton and Ascot were emerging as elite residential areas populated by the wealthy and the middle class. The area offered several advantages. It was cooled by sea breezes, offered splendid views of the city and river, and was sufficiently close to the city to make commuting to work a reality for professionals, public servants, and businessmen. It is difficult to tell when the Dicksons left the property, though evidence suggests that they sold the property sometime in 1905. By the 1920s, the land had been progressively reduced in size, but today the house remains on a somewhat larger than average block. The house currently appears to be intact, and in well maintained condition."

A section from the 1895 McKellars Official Map of Brisbane showing Langside Road and Toorak Hill. 

The First Birth at Katanga

July 5, 1885 sadly a son was still born to the wife of James R. Dickson Jnr. at Katanga Breakfast Creek. On August 21, 1886 the family had good news with the birth of a son to Mrs. Dickson at Katanga.

James R. Dickson Jnr.'s letter to the editor of the Brisbane Courier June, 1899. This letter has some very interesting information regarding the history of Hamilton and where it was situated at that time in relation to the town of Brisbane.

 Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Friday 23 June 1899, page 7

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TRAMWAY EXTENSION.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,-Your sub-leader under the above heading of today's date, 22nd instant, brings somewhat into greater prominence a matter of very great importance, as you properly state, to the community, and I may add, particularly to the Hamilton district namely, the tramway extension from its present terminus at the Breakfast Creek Bridge to Ascot (Racecourse), and the opposition of the Commissioner for Railways to the granting of the Order-in-Council for the construction of the same. Surely the Commissioner, beyond making what may be considered merely a formal or departmental objection, can scarcely be serious, unless he desires to monopolise the whole of the traffic of the country, whether catered for by him or not, as is the case in question, thereby reverting to the railway belief that the people were born for the railways, in-stead of the railways being constructed for the people. It must be borne in mind that tlhe railway from the Central (City) Station to Ascot covers a distance of not less than six miles, which in itself is a considerable distance for people to be compelled to travel who only live at the outside not more than three to three and a-half miles from the oiity on each journey, and only a very few at that, who can be so accommodated, as compared with the inducements offered by the proposed extension, to those living in the heart of the district, and covering the whole distance in three to three and a half miles, tihereby saving considerably in travelling and in time; also, that the railway to Ascot never was intended to serve the requirements of the district named, as I am of opinion will be admitted on all hands, it being more to serve the locality of Clayfield and thereabouts than other parts be-yond. It was only owing to the success and energy of the promoters of the Q.T.C. that Ascot eventually became sufficiently attractive to make it of any importance, and it is only of importance as far as about, say, half of a dozen race meetings in the course of the year. When admitting the importance of this particular station on such occasions, it can be shown that the railway only carries 25 per cent of the whole traffic, and that at considerable cost to the ordinary traffic, leaving the remaining 75 per cent to find their way as best possible. The ordinary dally traffic is not worth mention perhaps twenty or thirty passengers at the outside which will wholly disappear with the introduction of the trams even to the Hamilton. Now, sir, seeing that the traffic on the above special occasions far exceeds the con-trol of the department, can the Commis-sioner's objection be seriously considered as having any weight with the community be-yond an official protest with the view before mentioned ? It must also be remembered that Ascot, after all, is only a station on the Pinkenba line, Pinkenba being the terminus eventually to become a very important one ; and, whether Ascot existed or not, Pinkenba would still require to be served. There tfore, the existence of the line in no sense depends on the bone of contention,. Ascot being the only station affected, and only to the extent of about half-a-dozen times in the course of tlhe year, and at these par-ticular periods there being more than suffi-cient traffic for all concerned, is it just or reasonable that a whole district, In no sense served by raliway communication with the metropolis, merely having an unimport-and station at one extreme end of it, should be deprived of communication with the city by the most improved system in the world, simply because the Commissioner for Rail-ways objects, in protection of his own department, which may, or may not, become affected ? As far as the eastern parts of the Hamilton district are concerned, they are practically without reasonable communi-cation with the city, as the existing omnibus service is by no means adequate, and almost useless, having done more to retard the prosperity and progress of the district than can be easily imagined. I trust that the Importance of the petition now before the ratepayers and others for signature, which is being so influentially signed, will appeal to their sense of what Is right and just, as it appears to be doing, in promoting the In-terests and welfare of the choicest and most attractive suburb of the city of Brisbane, which, with tram communication with the city, will know no bounds. — I am, sir, &c.,

JAMES R. DICKSON, Jun. Katanga, Hamilton, 22nd June.

My initial post in January 2021.

When doing my ride and house research on Wednesday I saw the rear of this house. Today I went back to capture the image. Why this house? Purely it stands out amongst the multi million dollar neighbours for obvious reasons. Every house or home tells a story. My research tells a story to match the sad fate of this once magnificent home. D'Arcy Amos won a Military Medal in WW1 for his deeds. He was the new car sales manager for Eagers Cars for 25 years. In 1938 he was present when the first Buick was rolled off the assembly line in Wickham Street, The Valley. A prominent businessman and sportsman the house was the centre of many social activities for the well to do Brisbane social scene of the 1930 and 40s. The night before his son's wedding in St. Augustines at Hamilton in 1949 he died of a heart attack in this house aged 52.

Totnes - Borella 14 - 18 Circe Street

 14 Circe Street Hamilton

When I first rode past this house my first impression was what a wonderful piece of Brisbane's historical architecture. Positioned on another of those wonderful high ridge positions of Brisbane it definitely does a make a statement of being one of those late 19th century villas does adorne Brisbane.

As I researched further into this street address I found different house names for this address and then a picture of the house in 1943. In 1943 when it had been the home of the late Judge Henchmen it was known as Borella but it definitely was not the house situated there today. The first recorded information for the street address is that an acre of land was advertised for sale as J. Arthur Maccartney Esq. was moving to Ormiston House in 1913. This significant piece of real estate and house still remains a mystery as I post this. 

While there has definitely been at least two houses there and possibly more what is known is that two people prominent in Queensland's history have occupied the address. The first being J. Arthur Maccartney Esq. The wikipedia reference is very comprehensive and here is the link to the web information. He was born 5 April 1834 and died 10 June 1917) and was an Irish-born Australian colonist, pastoralist, squatter and grazier who established a large number of frontier cattle stations in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Arthur_Macartney

John Arthur Macartney

The second known occupier of the address 14 Circe Street was Supreme Court Judge Hewerd Humfrey Henchmen. Born in England but came to Rockhampton with his parents while a young boy. Later in this post there is a very good summary of his life and contribution to Queensland's public life. His WW1 war record contains information that gives further insight into his life and possibly how he came to occupy what was known in his time the house Totnes. 

Hewerd Henchmen enlisted in 1916 and was 41 years and 7 months of age and a barrister at law. Born in Leeds, England he was a widower with two young children. His wife Teresa Francesca Goller who he married in Melbourne in 1903 died in 1914. His reasons for enlisting when he had two children of 10 and 6 years is unknown but it would have been a monumental life changing decision. Whilst on duty in England he met married in London Edith Maud Isabel Holliday a spinster on 26th February 1919. He had spent his service during the war with the Education Department of the A. I. F.. Upon returning to Australia it appears that they moved into Totnes at 14 Circe Street as that is his address for the 1919 electoral roll. 

Totnes and the Henchmens

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Thursday 19 August 1920, page 2

Good general wanted, small modern home, two in family and baby, nurse kept. Mrs.

Henchman, Circe-street, Hamilton. Telephone, Albion 741.

Justice Hereward Henchman

https://www.sclqld.org.au/judicial-papers/judicial-profiles/profiles/hhhenchman

Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Tuesday 25 April 1939, page 1

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MR. JUSTICE HENCHMAN DEAD

His Honour Mr. Justice Henchman, who became ill at Toowoomba on Thursday night, died there early this morning.

He is survived by his widow, three sons, Messrs. H. J. H. and David Henchman and Master Adrian Hench-man, and one daughter, Miss Gwynneth Henchman. There are also two sisters, Misses A. M. and D. I. Henchman (Toowoomba), two brothers, Mr. H. J. H. Henchman (Solicitor-General) and one living in New Zealand. The body will be brought to Brisbane today and arrangements for the funeral will be announced later. (Career — Page, 2.)

14 Circe Street 1943

Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Tuesday 25 April 1939, page 2

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10 YEARS A JUDGE

Mr. Justice Henchman

(Continued from Page 1.)

Mr. Justice Hereward Humfry Henchman, M.A., LL.B., whose death is reported in page one, was born at Leeds, England, on November 29, 1874, and came to Queensland with his parents when a youth. The family settled in Rockhampton, where he early gave promise of a brilliant scholastic career. He distinguished himself, first at the Rockhampton Grammar School, and then at Bris-bane Grammar School, winning his way to the University of Melbourne by gaining the first of the three exhibitions then annually awarded by the Queensland Government. He entered Trinity College, Melbourne, and at the University, laid the foundation of that comprehensive and exact knowledge of the law which gave him a large and varied practice after he had been called to the Bar in August 1899. He appeared with distinction before the High Court and the Queensland Courts in many constitutional, equity, and taxation cases, and also acted as a member of the Board of Examiners, and on several occasions as a judge of the District Court.

Late Mr. Justice Henchman

In 1916 he joined the Australian Imperial Force, returning to Australia in 1919, during which time he gained his commission as lieutenant. When, in March, 1929, he was sworn in as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland both the Bench and Bar, and his host of friends, united in expression of their sincere satisfaction with his appointment, and their con-fidence in his fitness and efficiency to discharge the duties of the high office with which he had so ably crowned his career. Upon taking his seat on the Bench for the first time, he received the congratulations of the Chief Justice (Sir James Blair), who said of Mr. Justice Henchman that it was always a pleasure to listen to his arguments, for he possessed a clear and logical mind; a direct and lucid style, and had a sure grasp of legal principles. They all felt, said Sir James, that Mr. Justice Henchman keen, learned, thorough, and patient was born to prove a source of strength to the Bench, and they looked forward with every conf-dence to his loyal co-operation. The Honours believed that, in him, practitioners would find a sympathetic and helpful judge and litigants considera-tion and justice. Time gave additional proof of the correctness of the Chief Justice's esti-mate of his Honour the late Judge.

14 Circe Street and John Arthur Macartney

The Brisbane Courier Saturday August 23 1913 

J Arthur Macartney on account of his early removal to Ormiston.

Booreela

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Tuesday 12 June 1917, page 6

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DEATH OF MR. J. A. MACARTNEY

Mr John Arthur Macartney, F R G S, of Newstead, Ilfracombe, died at his residence, Ormiston House, Cleveland, early on Sunday morning, at the ripe age of 84 years Mr Macartney was the eldest son of the late Very Rev Hussey Burgh Macartney, the first Dean of Melbourne and was a cousin of Mr E H Macartney M L A He was a very well known Queensland pastoralist, having been engaged in grazing operations in the Central District for many years The late Mr J A Macartney came to Victoria when about 14 years of age, and after being educated there was appointed associate to Mr Justice Barry After occupying this post for a few years he travelled overland to Rockhampton, where he took up Waverley station at St Lawrence, which he retained until the late nineties At the same time he had a large number of station interests in West and Northern Queensland, and some large holdings in the Northern Territory, to which he overlanded a considerable number of cattle in the early eighties He also had a partnership in Diamantina Lake station with the Hon. Heber-Percy, and this he held until a few years ago, when he disposed of it to Mr. S. Kidman. Latterly he became the owner of Newstead, near Ilfracombe, and was carrying on the business of a sheep grazier there up till the time of his death. His wife predeceased him some four years ago. He leaves the following sons and daughters to mourn their loss -Mrs C F Rich Newstead Miss Flora Macartney Ormiston; Mrs. Snappe, Quirindi, New South Wales; Mrs. Kenrick, Collaroy station, near St. Lawrence; Mr. Burgh Macartney, of Western Australia, at present in this State; and Lieutenant Colonel H. W. D. Macartney, at present serving with the A.I.F.

In the course of an article entitled "A Central Queensland Pioneer," the Hon. F. E. Winchcombe, M. L. C. wrote in Winchcombe Carsons Monthly Record for March 10, 1910 :—" The travels and adventures of Mr Macartney during the half century standing from 1858 to 1908 would furnish matter for a most interesting book. I am the proud possessor of an autographed pamphlet, printed in 1909, in which is given in sketchy outline some account of the explorations and the pastoral enterprises which engaged Mr Macartney' s energies during the heyday of his pioneering career. In recognition of his exploring achievements, he was made a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society; and the honour was well earned. As a worker in the direction of promoting settlement, of discovering and opening up new country, or inducing others to take up lands for pastoral occupation, and so developing the resources of Central and Northern Queensland, Mr Macartney deserves well of the State. To latter day Queenslanders Mr Macartney is best known as the owner of Diamantina Lakes station, in the North Gregory, and Waverley station, in the Port Curtis district Both these properties he held for over 30 years But the explorers instinct was strong within him, and he was on the move nearly all the time He explored virgin country all over the State from the East coast out to the South Australian border, and over into the Northern

Territory, extending his travels westward to tho Victoria River, northward to the Arafura Sea, and round to the Gulf of Carpentaria. During these journeys which began in 1857 and continued at intervals for a great many years Mr.

Macartney took up blocks of country here and there, and in most cases stocked these squattages, either on his own account or as a partner with others.

Waverley Station was his home for a long period, and he saw the growth of Rockhampton from its very earliest babyhood into the big city which it is today It is a curious fact that in the first week of 1858, when Mr Macartney rode into Rockhampton, the population of the town consisted of three people only. The Bush Inn, which was only a rough slab shanty stood on the site now occupied by the Criterion Hotel, but it was closed that day because the proprietor had gone to Gayndah to be married. Probably other residents had gone to the wedding also, thus reducing the inhabitants to the very small number quoted above. The incident serves to show that at that time the town which is now the capital of Central Queens-land had scarcely taken root. Gracemere station was then a larger and more important centre of population than the town. Mr Macartney steadily pursued his journeys of discovery travelling nearly always on horseback. In fact it is probably true to say that he covered a greater number of miles on horseback than any other man in Australia. When living at Waverley he frequently rode into Rockhampton, a distance of 125 miles in one day, transacted his business that night, and rode home again next day. As a test of endurance such a ride as this takes a high place, and the performance gives evidence of a toughness of constitution, without which the work accomplished by Mr Macartney would have been impossible. In all his wanderings he was never attacked by blacks but once ; and that was on an occasion when he was exploring the Florida country, of which he took up 10,000 square miles in the Northern Territory. He had two men with him at the time and a black boy named Rosy Tommy. The wild blacks attacked the camp one moonlight night ; but they cleared out when fired upon. They returned at dawn with reinforcements and made further hostile demonstrations. But again they refused to face firearms and eventually they disappeared. With the exception of this little skirmish, Mr Macartney was never brought into personal encounter with the blacks although his stations were sometimes molested, and a few of his cattle were killed. In view of his great pastoral activities later on, it is curious to note that when Mr Macartney's father the Very Rev. Dr. Macartney, for 43 years Dean of Melbourne first set him up on the land in Victoria, he went in for agriculture and during the days of the gold fever he sold hay as high as £70 a ton, oats at 35/ a bushel, watermelons at 6d a pound cabbages at 6d a pound, and grapes as high as 10/ a bunch. But even at these figures there was evidently not sufficient excitement in growing cabbages and water melons, and it was not long before Mr. Macartney, entering into partnership with Mr. E. G. Mayne, set out to look for pastoral land in northern latitudes. The partnership continued for many years, to the great advantage of the partners, and also of the colony of Queensland. From first to last he was owner or part owner of no less than 31 different stations some of which he held for only one or two years, while others remained in his possession for periods ranging from three to 38 years. Australia owes a debt of gratitude to men of his stamp—men who by grit, energy, and enterprise forced their way into the back country during the early days, and blazed a track for others to follow "

After the death of J. Arthur Macacrtney in 1917 his estate at Hamilton was placed for auction again in September of 1917. It obviously did not sell in 1913 but was still in possession of Macartney at the time of his death. It was described as a large 8 roomed house with kitchen and servants quarters. The advertisement states that the land fronts Crescent Road but the magnificent views are to the east which implies that this is the land that 14 Circe Street would have been part of.

It could be then assumed that this is the house that Herewarth Humfrey and Enid Maud Henchmen moved into on their return to Brisbane. 

The Small Cottage 96 Crescent Road

 In 1934 discussion was taking place in the housing industry concerning the role of the new flats being built in Brisbane. During the 1930 to 1935 period of time Brisbane saw a move to the concept of individual flat or what we know today as unit living. Brisbane's leading domestice architects were all involved in the design and construction of this new style of living. Previous to this Brisbane's non detached housing was based on what we would call today shared housing. Large houses were purpose built with many bedrooms sharing a common kitchen and bathroom facilities.  This article in 1934 focussed on the concept of those wishing to have a smaller distinctive home with independent living. The noted architect Eric P. Trewern provided an article for "The Home" section of the Brisbane Sunday Mail on May 6. The house was built for William Herbert Boden a Brisbane barrister.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/10194504?

The following picture is taken from the Brisbane Sunday Mail of May 6, 1934.

William Herbert Boden Barrister at Law

William Herbert “Bill” Boden “A good citizen A good friend” By Murray Hulett 

Wednesday February 4th 1970 Wynnum Redlands Herald

The death occurred at his home in Valetta Street Manly, last Saturday, of a well-known citizen and member of the legal profession in Mr William Herbert Boden. The late Mr Boden who was in his 66th Year was born at Gympie, being a son of the late Mr and Mrs James A Boden. He received his secondary schooling at Brisbane Grammar School and joined the legal staff of the Public Curator’s Office as an articled clerk. He continued his law studies until he was called to the Bar at the age of 21 years and is believed to have been the youngest practicing barrister in Queensland. Following a period of service in the legal office of Messrs Mayne and Tinbury at Roma, the late Mr Boden returned to Brisbane where he opened his own office in the early 1930’s and practised all jurisdictions including the High Court of Australia. He gave up his Brisbane practice in 1957 and gradually retired from the legal profession, but took a very active part in local affairs. Probably two of his outstanding interests lay in the development of the south bank of the Brisbane river and the formation of the Wynnum District Co-Operative Housing Society – this latter venture having started off as a single co-operative and now embracing 19 societies which have been responsible for the spending in the Wynnum District of millions of dollars which otherwise would not have become available to homeowners only for initial interest of Mr Bill Boden. During World War II the late Mr Boden enlisted in the 2nd A.I.F. as a private with the 9th Division and later joined the Intelligence Section. At St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on Monday morning, a concourse which was representative of all sections of the community, was present at the service conducted by the Rev. Andrew Wilson B.A. Afterwards at the East Chapel of Mt. Thompson Crematorium the cortege was joined by many friends and associates from Brisbane who paid their last respects. A widow and two daughters, Mrs W J Quinn of Wynnum and Mrs L E Hinrichsen of Redland Bay, survive. 

William Boden must have had a liking for the homes of the architect Eric P. Trewern. When he moved to the bayside suburb of Wynnum he initially lived in 181 Bay Terrace with his wife who was a chemist. In 1954 they are both registered on the electoral roll as living at this address which is a commercial premises. It could be assued that the was a chemist shop. In 1968 he and his wife are registered as living at 12 Valetta Street Manly. This house in Manly was another of the architect Eric P. Trewern's house legacies in Brisbane. The home at 12 Valetta Street was originally built for hotelier William O'Connor and is definitely not a small cottage where the Boden's started their married life in 1934. The house under the Boden's was named "Avalon". William Dennis O'Connor died in 1950 and by 1952 12 Avalon Street, Manly had passed out of the O'Connor familiy's ownership. Today 12 Valetta Street has been given the name Cloncrew. 

https://homesofbrisbane.blogspot.com/search?q=cloncrew

Dunholme - A Ferryman's Rest

John Gibbins ferryman, ship owner and oyster farmer at one point in time had an acre of land on the corner of Cairns and Lambert Streets, Kangaroo Point. This area of land was originally known as the Shafston Estate.

The first newspaper records of a John Gibbins in Brisbane is in 1866 when a John Gibbins seeks to rent the Market Reserve. This is the area around Market Street and Eagle Street in Brisbane. This John Gibbins then erected his own timber building on the reserve. He did not obtain a lease or permit. He was then ordered by the Brisbane Town Council to remove it. It could be assumed that this same John Gibbins then became a merchant and shipping agent in Eagle Street. In 1869 John Gibbins advertised for the sale barley, bran, oates and lucerne hay unloading from the schooner Alpha.

John Gibbins traded in grain produce coming into Brisbane and solely from the schooner Alpha. In December of 1869 the Alpha was docking at the A. S. N. and Company's new wharf at Eagle Street. In the 1870's the clipper schooner Alpha was plying its trade along the Queensland coast for produce merchant John Gibbins of Eagle Street. By 1873 John Gibbins had expanded his produce business to be now in Maryborough and other colonies.

In October of 1874 John Gibbins entered the oyster farming industry when the Queensland Government under the new Oyster Act put up for lease oyster dredges in Moreton Bay. John Gibbons was successful in obtaining lease lot 34 at fifteen pound per annum for seven years. Under the act the lease had to be manitained and improvements undertaken. In February of 1875 John Gibbins put a notice in the newspapers notifying the owners of his neighbouring properties at Kangaroo Point that he intended to fence his property. This notice fits the timeline of the house Dunholme being built.

July 6 1875 Advertisement in the Telegraph Brisbane

In August 0f 1876 John Gibbins places his complete business with stores in Eagle Street, stock and mill  all up for auction as he is notifying he is retiring from business. The cottage in Eagle Street that he had occupied with his family was also up for rent by the A. S. and N company in Ausgust 1875. Gibbins could have been renting this cottage from the A.S.N shipping company. John Gibbind retired from that business as a produce and shipping merchant to for a short time shipping agent for the schooner Fearless as she was advertised for charter from the Government's new wharves in 1877. In 1878 John Gibbins nmow has a lease on the Alice Street ferry.

Brisbane Courier February 16 1878. 

John Gibbins, lessee of the Alice-street ferry, was charged with delaying a passenger. The evidence of Mr. W. Clarke showed that he arrived at the ferry on the Kangaroo Point side to cross to town, the ferry boat at that time being on the point of leaving the south side stage, and containing one passenger les than the boat was entitled to carry. There was conflicting evidence on this point, but the balance of evidence being against the defendant he was fined 20a. and costs.

 He had continued to lease his propert and store in Richmond Steet, Maryborough until placing it for sale in April of 1883. 

Possibly from the Maryborough sale he purchased the cutter Henrietta as he advertised for a master to captain the ship in August of 1883. In November of 1883 he placed his property in Cairns Street, Kangaroo Point up for sale or let.

On Monday December 3, 1883 the furniture, household goods, fittings and out house implements were placed for auction with . E. Hooker and Son without reserve as John Gibbons was leaving the colony.

John Gibbons continued in business from his Cairns Street house Dunholme dealing with his oyster lease and land speculation. The notice below appeared in the Brisbane Courier, January 10 1885.

Kangaroo Point still existed as a shire or town until the amalgamation of the nineteen town councils and shires that made up the greater Brisbane area. The Government of Queensland created the City of Brisbane with a view to uniting the then Brisbane metropolitan area under a single planning and governance structure. The City of Brisbane Act 1924 received assent from the Governor on 30 October 1924. On 1 October 1925, 20 local government areas of various sizes were abolished and merged into the new city. While the Kangaroo Point of today bears very little resemblance to 1925 if you look there are still examples of the early colonial era. 

The following information on Dunholme is taken from the Brisbane City Council's Heritage Register.

This timber cottage was constructed for ferry proprietor John Gibbins between 1876 and 1878. It was one of the first houses to be built in Cairns Street and is one of five nineteenth century houses that survive in the street, providing a unique link to the past. After Gibbin’s death in 1885, his estate was placed in trust and later divided among members of his family. The house has since had a number of different owners

This cottage is located on land which was originally purchased by Robert Cribb and former Collector of Customs, William Thornton in 1851. It was not until the Shafston Estate was offered for sale by the then owner, notable sugar planter and miller the “Honourable” Louis Hope, in 1874 that land became available for building. At the time of sale the entire estate covered over forty four acres.

Evidence from the title deeds in conjunction with the Post Office Directories (PODs) indicates that John Gibbins purchased one rood of land in October 1875 and that by 1878-1879 he was one of two people living on the “West Side” of Cairns Street. His occupation is given as “Ferry Proprietor”. The POD of 1876 fails to list Cairns Street.

In January 1885 John Gibbins died, his occupation at the time of death given as “gentleman”. He left, among other properties elsewhere, his Cairns Street house in trust. James Beech and William Hooker were the nominated trustees of the estate. Members of the Gibbins’ family lived in the house to the early 1890s, where upon the house appears to have then been rented out. In 1895 the estate was divided among four people, presumably John Gibbins’ children.

In May 1903 the Gibbins Estate, on the corner of Cairns and Lambert Streets was offered for sale. There were 9 blocks offered for sale, ranging in size from 16 perches to 19½ perches. Thirty two perches remained with the house. The house was eventually purchased by John Helsdon in July of the same year.

The house has had several owners since that time. Applications were made to the Brisbane City Council in 1946 and 1951 for “Dwelling Alterations”. The house is one of the earliest residences still existing along Cairns Street, and forms an important early link as part of a group of 19th century cottages remaining in the street which development from the mid 1870s onwards.

 

Thongabel A Link to Brisbane's Early History

Ralph Moreton White an accountant had progressed through the realms of Brisbane's commercial world to become by 1934 manager of the Brisbane Milling Company. Later he was to become general manager of the Queensland Milling Association. This was the milling of wheat to produce flour. He and his wife were well known in Brisbane's elite social scene. Newspaper references abound in social activities involving the couple with political and and other well know business identities. Very heavily involved in the Methodist church R. M. White acted as treasurer at one point in time.

R. M. White's wife Elsie was the grandaughter of John McMaster the well known former politician and Queensland identity of the second half of the 19th. century. John McMaster was the mayor of Brisbane five times throughout his long involvement in civilian life. Elsie Moreton was formerly Elsie Dath whose other grandfather was Robert Dath of the timber industry and sawmill of what we now know as Teneriffe. Elsie grew up in Kent Street, New Farm where the McMaster and Dath families were well known identities. Mary Jane McMaster was the daughter of John McMaster and in her later years lived with her niece Elsie and husband Ralph Moreton White.

In 1934 Ralph and Elsie White commissioned the well known and highly respected architect Eric P. Trewern to design a home for them in Welwyn Crescent, Coorparoo. The home at Welwyn Crescent was not of the usual, Californian, Spanish or Tudor design of Trewern but in the Georgian style. Welwyn Crescent runs along a ridge which today still commands substantial city views to the north. Thongabel the White's residence in 1934 has been joined by a number of prominent architetural designed homes that were built prior to the second world war. 

Sunday Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1926 - 1954), Sunday 11 February 1934, page 13

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AN UNUSUALLY CHARMING GEORGIAN HOME AT COORPAROO

Situated at Welwyn Crescent, Surrey Hills, Coorparoo, 'Thongabel' commands extensive panoramic views views of the city and surrounding hills.

Of Georgian derivation, this stucco house possesses much in originality and charm of design. In a setting of well kept lawn and colourful garden beds, 'Thongabel' is enhanced by reason of its elevated site, which makes possible the introduction of an attractive stone wall of multi-coloured pastel shades, into which are knit the brick entrance piers and garage.

Thongabel, a charming stucco residence of Georgian Inspiration. The interesting roof lines, well proportioned windows, and entrance porch of classic motif contribute in producing a home of exceptional attractiveness.

Note the stone wall of multi coloured pastel shades, shades, into which is kept the thick piers of the entrance gates. (Eric (Eric P. Trewern, P.R.I.B.A., Architect.)

John McMaster the grandfather of Elie White (nee Dath)

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Friday 29 February 1924, page 2

Second Edition

Late Mr. McMaster

Long, Interesting Career Picturesque Figure Gone

The late Mr. John McMaster, whoso death wns reported in our first edition, had been ailing since last August, and was confined to his bed for the last month. He suffered considerable pain until about a week ago. but was conscious, and conversed with relatives and friends almost to the last. The veteran passed away at the home of his grand-daughter, Mrs. A. M. White, in Kent Street. New Farm, with whom he had resided since the death of his second wife in December, 1922. There were with him in his last moments his daughter, Miss McMaster, and his grand-daughter ( A. M. White) nnd intimate friends of the family. The funeral will leave Mrs. White's residence in Kent street, New Farm, tomorrow, at 10.30 a.m. The remains will be laid to rest in the Nundah cemetery. 

BORN A HIGHLANDER. 

It would be a long biography which would adequately portray the long, interesting life of the late Mr. John McMaster. He was born in the island of Islay, Argyleshire, in 1830. At an early age he left the island for Helensburgh, near Dunjbarmton, where ho commenced a farming career. He arrived here in the sailing ship William Myers in 1855, and obtained employment on a 4 -acre farm of one of the German missionaries at Nundah, or German station, as it then was called. 

THE PUBLIC INTEREST. 

It was at this early stage that there stirred into activity that public spiritedness which characterised Mr. McMaster throughout the whole of his life. A school was wanted, and the young Highlander took up the advocacy with such ardour that before long a compromise was arrived at between rival claims from Eagle Farm and German Station. The Nudgee road school resulted. Subsequently Mr. McMaster undertook to raise the £105 required for the building of a school at Nundah, and he carried out his task. Denied education himself, and being unable to speak English as a child, he was determined that his own children and others in this new land should have whatever instruction could be afforded to them.

TRANSPORT DIFFICULTIES. 

If motorists and others complain of the character of the roads around Brisbane today, what would they have thought of them in those early days? Mr. McMaster had experiences of the route between the present Nundah and tho infant city. On one occasion he set out in a spotless white suit, the pride of his first wife, with a drayload ot pineapples, but finished up in a sorry plight after having been bogged axle deep in mud. Brisbane was not reached that night, although the missionary who accompanied Mr. McMaster endeavoured to pilot him by way of Three Mile Scrub Road, Kelvin Grove way. In passing the missionary pointed out to Mr. McMaster a spot at Albion where Mr. Robert Blane, gardener to Captain Wickliam, (New South Wales Government Resident) was about to build the first house in that then lonely locality. 

NEW CHUM "BULLOCKY."

Having accumulated a little money as a farmer on his own account, Mr. McMaster was induced by his brother-in-law, Mr. Thorns, of Caboolture, to invest in a bullock team. His first trip was to Barambah, to which place he took a load of sugar, returning with tallow, encased in sheep's paunches. He received £25 a ton for carrying the sugar, and half that sum for transporting the tallow, and averaged £1 a day. Mr. McMaster never was given to profanity, and he found that he was able to manage that string of bullocks, new chum and all as he was, and Gaelic new chum at that, without resorting to the profanity which has become traditional in connection with bullock driving. 

STORE KEEPING DAYS. 

In 1879 the young Scotsman commenced business as a grocer and produce merchant, at the corner of Ann and Warner streets. Fortitude Valley. Those were the days of late shopping, especially on Saturday, and Mr. McMaster's shop was the rendovous at which public questions were freely discussed by leading citizens in those days in which the Valley was making its first bid for commercial supremacy. The late Mr. Thos. Finney, his partner, the late Mr. Isles, also the late Mr. Moses Ward, chemist, the late Mr. Samuel Maxwell, master painter, and others regularly gathered there. 

ALDERMAN AND M.L.A. 

These conversions led up to a request to Mr. McMaster to represent the Valley ward in the Brisbane Municipal Council. That wns acceded to in 1873. Twelve years later, the late Sir Samuel (then Mr.) Griffith asked the storekeeper-alderman to contest the newly created Valley seat in the Legislative Assembly for his party, the Liberals. Mr. McMaster had taken some persuading to enter the council, and he was very reluctant to enter Parliament, because of his lack of education. But Mr. Griffith saw beneath that rugged exterior a genuineness and an ability which would mean much to his party in that particular direction, and so it came about that Mr. McMaster became the first Parliamentary representatives of that part of Brisbane with which he was associated with throughout the remaining of his long life. And the great Liberal statesman's insight proved a correct one, for surely there never was a more conscientious or persistent representative of any seat, Parliamentary or municipal, than that of Mr. McMaster as a member of Parliament and alderman for the Valley. 

VALLEY RAILWAYS.

It was John McMaster who foresaw the necessity for a Valley railway, and who fought for it in season and out of season with his dogged Scotch pertinacity until the line was built. It has been reserved for a later generation than those who laughed at the scheme to see what it has meant to the Valley. Before that branch line which now ends at New Farm refinery, was built, the line, of course, wus extended to Sandgate, but political chicanery first took it around through Victoria Park, so as to spite the Valley for not endorsing Mr. Pring, who had accepted the Attorney-Generalship. The late Sir Arthur Palmer wus Premier at the time. Sir Samuel Griffith afterwards put £175,000 on the estimates for the extension of the line Valleywards. That sum was not sufficient to carry the line through from Roma street to the Valley, erecting a substantial station at the central point and completing the long tunnel.It was at the suggestion of Mr. McMaster, therefore, that a temporary station wns built at the central, and the line was pushed on to the Valley end without delay. For 14 years Mr. McMaster .represented the Valley in the Legislative Assembly. 

ALDERMANIC ACTIVITIES. 

As Mayor of Brisbane, in 1884, Mr. McMaster drove tho first spike of the old original horse tramway system. In 1893 he rendered valuable assistance in administering the flood relief fund. As is generally known, he was a strong advocate of the Valley site for the Town Hull, but that was a scheme in which he was not successful. Nor has he lived to see the completion of the new Town Hall. Neither was he permitted to sec the inauguration of the muli talked of Greater Brisbane scheme. He was defeated at the first election under the new Local Authorities Act, which extended the franchise to the whole of the electors. He then was 90 years of age. and had served two generations of Valley residents in a way in which he had gained the greatest of rewards, the universal respect of his fellow men whether political or municipal friends or foes. That esteem was manifested few years ago by a handsome presentation. Tho second Mrs. McMaster predeceased her husband by several years.

For further information on John McMaster the Wikipedia reference is below.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McMaster_(mayor)

Lynford Tudor Splendor

 Lynford Fine English Tudor 

The following is taken from the Brisbane Council Heritage Register.

This fine Tudor Revival home is possibly the best example of this style of house in Brisbane. Designed by notable architect, E.P. Trewern, it was constructed in 1928 for successful businessman, James W. Clifford Isles, of Isles, Love & Co. At this time the suburb of Hamilton, established as the locale for large estates of wealthy settlers, was subdivided and became the desired address for Brisbane's successful middle classes.

Eric Trewern is referred to by most architectural historians as the person who introduced the Spanish Mission style and Tudor style house to Brisbane in the years between the two world wars. Casa Ana at Hamilton and Santa Barbara at New Farm are two of his finest examples. Lynford is the first of his Tudor style homes and still stands today as Brisbane's finest original example. Pictures do not do justice to this superbly maintained example built almost 100 years ago. Eric or E. P. Trewern's designed homes demand a premium today firstly for the role they played in Brisbane's housing architecture and secondly for the innovative designs that Trewern incorporated for his discerning clients. 

The following is taken from John W. East's document "Suburban Eclecticism - The Brisbane Architect Eric Percival Trewern (1895 - 1959) and his work" 

Lynford, the house with which Trewern introduced the Old English style to Brisbane, was erected in 1927-28 at Hamilton for James W. Clifford Isles, director of the auctioneering firm of Isles, Love and Co. He was a man of considerable means, and the contract price of £4,200 exceeded even that of Santa Barbara. With this budget, Trewern was able to design a building which exemplified all the fine craftsmanship which is one of the abiding charms of Brisbane's Old English houses.

A multiplicity of building materials makes the exterior particularly interesting. The ground floor is mostly in face brick or quarry-faced porphyry. The upper floor is a competent imitation of traditional English half-timbered construction, with dark adzed beams standing out against the pale stuccoed walls. A large double chimney dominates the front elevation, with a prominent (and no doubt purely decorative) S-shaped tie-bar set into it. The roof of red Marseilles tiles is steeply pitched, with numerous gables, these being half-timbered, or weatherboarded, or simply stuccoed. There is an oriel window at the side, and one of the upper rooms at the front is jettied out above the ground floor. All of this makes for a complex and varied composition.

The solid oak door opens onto a stair-hall panelled in oak, with a wide oak staircase incorporating twisted newel posts. The lounge which opens off this has at one end a large brick fireplace, with a freestone surround rising to a Tudor arch. The walls have a panelled wainscot and the ceiling is heavily beamed. One side of the lounge opens into an enclosed sun-porch, with windows on all three sides, overlooking the garden. At the rear, the lounge opens onto a stone-paved piazza and so gives direct access to the garden. The lounge also connects via sliding glass doors to the dining room, which is panelled to the level of the platerail, and lit by a large window with deep reveals. On the upper floor are the bedrooms and bathroom and a large sleeping porch, with views to Moreton Bay.

James W. Clifford Isles

J. W. C. Isles was a third generation Brisbane businessman with his grandfather being James Isles of Brisbane and Queensland's Finney Isles Drapery business. Born in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia on 23 May 1894 to James Thomas Isles and Henrietta Love. James William Clifford Isles married Jocelyn Vyvyan Salisbury and had 2 children. He passed away on 10/05/1967 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. His father James Thomas or J. T. Isles founded the auction firm Isles Love in conjunction with James Love. The following taken from the Courier Mail of 1934 provides the background to the firm Isles, Love and Company who James W. Clifford Isles was a director. 

James Thomas Isles - Founder of Isles Love and Company Auction House

Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Wednesday 5 December 1934, page 25

MR. J. T. ISLES DEAD

Noted Business Man SERVICES TO CITY

Mr. J. T. Isles, a director of Isles, Love, and Co., Ltd., died yesterday at his home In Charlton Street, Ascot. He had long been a prominent member of the Business community of Brisbane, and was identified with movements for the welfare and progress of the city, and for benevolent objects, until five weeks ago he had been engaged in the activities of his firm. His last illness then supervened on a stroke. In his youth Mr. Isles was associated with many other young men then notable for their athletic prowess, and some later to be well known in civic or commercial life. Among them were his partner (Mr. James Love), his three brothers, and Messrs. T. Welsby, E. Markwell, Stombuco, J. E. ('Did') Harris, Mark Harris, F. Trimble, and E. Colclough. The friendships of those days were maintained by Mr. Isles throughout the years. Mr. Isles was born in Fortitude Valley in April, 1866. In childhood he accompanied his parents to England, and he received his early education at the famous Bluecoat School, in London, and in Scotland. On their return to Brisbane he attended the Brisbane Grammar School. His father (Mr. James Isles) was a co-founder with Mr. Thomas Finney, of the firm of Finney, Isles, and the young J. T. Isles, after experience with Farmer's, in Sydney, joined that business. In October, 1889, he joined Mr. James Love in partnership in the firm now known as Isles, Love, and Co., Ltd. In subsequent years he became a director of the City Electric Light Co. and Clifford Love and Co. (Sydney), and he had copra interests in the Solomon Islands. 

PUBLIC INTEREST 

He was recognised as an authority on taxation and real estate, and was vigorous in championing any public question or cause that he took up, par-ticularly those he regarded as relat-ing to the interests of the city or the State. A friend and business asso-ciate said yesterday that 'he placed the city before himself.' In discussion of public matters he assumed always the role of the constructive rather than of the destructive critic. He never entered parliamentary or civic life, but he was accepted as a strong influence in moulding public opinion, and in the development of Queensland and Brisbane. He was a former chairman of the Brisbane and South Coast Hospitals Board, and a member of the Y.M.C.A., Royal National Association, Rotary and Constitutional Clubs, and the Tax-payers' Association. He held the Diplomas of the Commonwealth Institute of Valuers (Incorporated) and the Real Estate Institute (Incorporated). A keen business man, he was revered also as one who held the confidence of the business community, and was ever ready to advise and help young men with their feet on the first steps of the ladder of life, and assist the distressed. In 1890 Mr. Isles was married to Miss Henrietta Love, a sister of Sir Clifton Love, of Sydney. He is survived by her and their two sons, Messrs. J. W. C. Isles, a director of Isles, Love, and Co., Ltd., and L. L. Isles, secretary of Clifford Love and Co., Sydney, and by a brother (Mr. S. J. Isles). Two brothers (Messrs. J. A. J. and L. H. Isles) predeceased him.

 CHAMPION ATHLETE 

On the old Toowong sports ground, more than 40 years ago, Mr. Isles won footrunning championships and broke records, and in one day won important 150, 250, and 440 yards races. His brother (Mr. J. A. J. Isles) , Mr. James Love, Mr. F. Trimble, and he won the under 20 fours, with Mr. Mark Harris as cox, as members of the Commercial Rowing Club; Mr. E. Colclough's crew being second. He won many cycle races on the old 'high' machines. With the Fireflies Football Club he had many strenuous matches against the Wasps  both are famous old teams, recalled by surviving players. Mr. Isles's greatest service through the Rotary Club was in connection with the crippled children's movement. He was the first president of the Queensland Society for Crippled Children, a position he held until his death, and he assisted greatly in the establishment of the Montrose Home. After a service at St. Augustine's, Hamilton, at 3.30 p.m. to-day, the funeral will leave for the Toowong Cemetery.

James Isles The First Genertaion Isles in Brisbane

The story of Lynford would not be complete without reference to James Isles the founder of the company Finney Isles in partnership with Thomas Finney and certainly the start of the financial opportunuties available to later generations of the Isles family.

James Isles was born in Kinloch, Pershire Scotland on 16 May 1837, the son of Agnes and James. He married Isabella Jane Jackson on 29 September 1862 in Dublin, Dublin. They had five children during their marriage. He died on 3 November 1888 in Brisbane, Queensland, at the age of 51, and was buried there. He arrived in Brisbane in October 1862 on the ship "Flying Cloud". James Isles had met Thomas Finney in Dublin whilst on business there. They both sailed on the "Flying Cloud" and started the firm Finney Isles and Company in the Fortitude Valley. 

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Saturday 3 November 1888, page 4

Death of Mr. Isles

About 10 days ago Mr. James Isles, of tho well known firm of Finney, Isle, and Co. was seized with an attack of apoplexy, whioh was of such a nature as to confine him to his room. He was attended by Dr. Taylor and Purcell, and seemed to get bettor uuder their treatment, but still he was not able to get about. It was not thought that the end was so near, but this morning at 2 o'clock he died suddenly at his residence, at Clayfield. The deceased gentleman, who was well known and respected, was born at Scone, Scotland, in 1837, and was therefore 51 years of ago at the time of his death. He and Mr. Thomas Finney were in business in Dublin 30 years ago, and they have been associated ever since. After some four or five years in Dublin they came out to Queensland together, and in 1864 commenccd business in the Valley. Six years later they removed to a portion of the present premises now occupied by the widely known firm of Finney, Isles, and Co. The business gradually extended until now it is by far the largest drapery establishment in the colony. Some weeks ago a portion of a block of buildings in court of erection for the firm was completed, but the deceased gentleman has not lived to see the completion of that wharehouse which will ever form a monument of the energy, perseverance, and business tact, which have been the characteristics of the firm. Mr. Isles leaves behind him a widow and four sons, the majority grown up, and for whom much sympathy has been expressed in town this morning. The deceased gentleman took little interest in public affairs, the only appointment lie ever held being that of a justice of the peace. His funeral will take place at 2 o'clock on Sunday.

The Finney Isles and Co Building

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finney_Isles_%26_Co_Building

The first building referred to at the time of the death of James Finney was at the corner of Edward and Adelaide Streets and was known as "The City Exchange Building" built in the mid 1880s. The current Finney, Isles or "Big Block" building was not constructed until 1909.

Ardon The Centre of a Racing Dynasty

Ardon still stands today just as it did when built 1897 - 1898. Heritage listed with the Brisbane City Council the heritage details can be found here. https://heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/citation/ardon-_871.pdf

For over fifty years Ardon and the Ardon Stables were the home of the Tucker family. William Tucker or "Old Bill" Tucker or W. J. Tucker is now one of those legendary figures in Queensland's horse racing history. Built for the Tucker family the stables must have been adjoining or very close by in Bowley Street, Hendra. In 1952 when the estate was put up for sale there were two separate sales. Firstly the house Ardon and secondly a separate block suitable for building on. 

The Tucker family spanned a number of generations within the horse racing industry but Ardon is the place where it all started. Of personal interest to me is that William Tucker married Alice Robinson who is the sister of my great Grandmother, Elizabeth Emily Robinson. I have written about the Robinson family from Coorparoo in another web site. This particular web link has information relating to the horse racing of Coorparoo and the Tucker and Kirwan families.

http://sivyer.com.au/photo-gallery/robinson/

William James Tucker B:1868  D:1949 

The following two newspaper articles from the time of his death are a very good summery of his life an d the activities that would have taken place at the Ardon house and stables of Bowley Street, Hendra.

Brisbane Telegraph (Qld. : 1948 - 1954), Friday 5 August 1949, page 23

DEATH OF MR. W. J. TUCKER.

Mr. W. J. Tucker, for more than 50 years an outstanding figure in Queensland racing, died at his home, Rowley Street, Hendra, today. The late Mr. Tucker, as a lad, won the first race ever decided at Albion Park. It was known then as Smithfield. He was not quite three when he arrived in Australia in the boat captained by his father. His early ambition was to be a circus tumbler and trick rider but economic conditions his father died shortly after his arrival here forced him to turn (his natural ability to handle -horses to quick advantage. He won two races at the age of 11, graduating to the horses from Pony events at Lytton. At one stage of his career, he rode two winners at Lytton ; and then rode hard to Smithfield, where he rode two more. A first-class shot, there was little in the way of acrobatics or sport at which he did not excel. The story is told that, on one occasion, when he was travelling to Gympie with horses by road, he won a boomerang throwing competition against blacks, though he had never handled the weapon before! As a young man he owned, trained and rode his own horses, later becoming a public trainer. He met with continued success until his retirement about 15 years ago. The late Mr. Tucker, an owner- jockey, won the Moreton Handicap and Sandgate Handicaps with Little Tartar, the Windsor Handicap with Ardon. As owner, he won the Guineas with Mischief and Bold Step, the Queensland Cup with St. Quentin, Sea Breeze, Tetupha, Soft Step, the Brisbane Cup with Demeranthis. He raced Spear Chief in partnership with the late Mr. J. B. Charlton. He won, for the partners, the Sires' Produce Stakes, Guineas, Derby. St. Leger and a Brisbane Cup. Soft Step won him a St. Leger, too. The late Mr. Tucker is survived by three sons, W. A. and A. E. Tucker, who are licensed trainers, and E.G., former successful jockey. The funeral will leave his late residence, 17 Bowley Street, for the Nundah Cemetery at 11 a.m. Monday.

Truth (Brisbane, Qld. : 1900 - 1954), Sunday 14 August 1949, page 45

QLD RACING LOOSES BY DEATH OF TRAINER BILL TUCKER

No more colorful personality has been associated with racing in Brisbane since its inception than thelate W. J. (Billy) Tucker; who was called before the Supreme Steward last week after a lifetime of active association with horse racing. Riding his first winner at the age of ll years, Billy carried on as a jockey even after his son, 'Young Bill,' had also adopted that profession. Then, as trainer and owner, 'Old Bill' went on to win every important race on the calendar cups and classic events on numerous occasions.

 Many of the racetracks on which W. J. Tucker cut his teeth are long since gone and for the most part, .forgotten. Only yery oldtimers remember race meetings being conducted at Oxley, Lytton, Coorparoo (under registered rules) and Breakfast Creek, when what is now known as Albion Park was a much smaller track. Breakfast Creek and Coorparoo meetings, under different proprietary interests, sometimes staged clash meetings on Saturday afternoons, and it was quite common for Billy Tucker to ride at both courses on the same day. On one occasion, after riding two winners at Coorparoo he raced his hack to the Creek and there was no short cut via Story Bridge at that time. Passing through The Valley, the hack fell, but without serious injury to the rider, who went on to Breakfast Creek where he rode another winner.

Hurdle racing was a feature of meetings at Eagle Farm in the days that Tucker rode, but he did not persevere with that branch of sport. In six such races, he rode three winners and had three falls 'a good average' he would say when he could be prevailed on to talk of his early days. There was a dash of the daredevil in Bill when he was a jockey. He could jump off and on horses like a circus rider when at full gallop. He did so in a race on one occasion with disastrous results. He was so far in front on a horse named Robert Emmett at the Farm that he decided to turn on a stunt. He jumped off the horse and back again nearing the winning post. Officialdom frowned on such frivolity, and disqualified the winner on the ground, that 'the rider had dismounted before being ordered to do so.' And some people refer to that era as the free-and-easy days. As a trainer and owner, Tucker won the Queensland Cup on seven occasions, and the Brisbane Cup as many times. There was no better judge of a yearling than he, and auctioneers and spectators, as well, always knew when he had decided to acquire one or more according to the number of knee boots and other safeguarding impedimenta he took to the sales. Having made his choice he would not be denied, and when he went to the figures indicated in the names of Six-Fifty and Seven-Fifty, it was regarded as sensational bidding. Until about 20 years ago 'Old Bill' declared that Mischief, with whom he won the Guineas in 1909, was the best horse he ever rode or trained. Later, he had a leaning towards Spear Chief, with whom he won, in partnership with the late J. B. Charlton, the Brisbane Cap in 1939, and which horse, after being sold, was successful in the same race with 9.7 in record time in the following- year. And so Billy Tucker has passed on. But memory of him will linger on, and the records of Brisbane racing, in which his name appears so often, will remain a monument to his ability In all three branches of the sport he loved and adorned.

Late Bill Tucker

June 28 1952 Daily Standard Brisbane